I have a confession – I talk way too much!

I’m so excited you’re here! I have SO much I want to share with you. I want you to know more about me, my story and why I started A Simple and Contented Life. That it’s a blog from the heart and that there’s an actual person behind it – someone who truly cares and someone who is here for you. Someone who’s been through it all too and made a change for the better. I also want you to know that whatever your situation, I can help you to reduce the overwhelm, take back control and create a life you love.

But all of that would have been too much for my About page! I always have way too much to say and so, I’ve decided to use one of my first blog posts as a way of sharing all that extra info with you. I want you to feel like you really know me. That when you read my posts it’s like you’re chatting with one of your best friends over a coffee in your favourite coffee shop. So, go grab that cup of coffee (or a glass of wine if it’s past 6pm!), and let’s get to know one another better…

My Bio – A little more about me

I’m Sarah. I’m 38, a proud mum of two, besotted wife and the founder of A Simple and Contented Life. I live just outside of London in North Essex with my husband Steve, who I’ve been married to for ten years, and our two boys. I’ve been stepmum to our eldest (Oscar) who’s 19 for the best part of fifteen years, and our youngest (Harrison) is 7. Like all teenagers, Oscar spends most of his time in his room, appearing only when he’s hungry. As for Harrison, well, how do I describe him? He’s hilarious and he cracks us up, but it’s like sharing our home with a mix of Curious George and the Tasmanian Devil!

My battle with breast cancer…

In 2016 a diagnosis of breast cancer pulled the rug out from underneath my feet and turned our world upside down. A mastectomy, reconstruction and six rounds of chemo later, I’m SO thankful to say I made it through. The experience made me realise that life is precious and it goes way too fast. It made me see that spending quality time with those we love is more important than anything else. That being rich isn’t about how much money we have in the bank. I learnt that the life we know can change in an instant and that so many of the things we think of as important actually aren’t. It taught me that happiness is a choice and that it’s OK to let go of the things that are weighing us down.

Why I started A Simple and Contented Life

As a daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mum and stepmum, I’ve had my fair share of life experiences. Having simultaneously wrestled with the teenage years AND the toddler years, I’ve experienced juggling family with running a business and I’ve been a stay at home mum too. I’ve battled cancer, seen parents be seriously ill and watched those I love experience traumatic events. I really have been there and seen it all. But in that process, I’ve figured out a way to deal with whatever life throws at me. I’ve learnt how to pick myself back up. How to get back on track and stay on track. How to slow things down and make time for what truly matters.

I wanted somewhere to share my story and to share what I’ve learnt in the hope it helps you too. I also knew that my organisational skills and ability to coach and mentor could really help others make a change for the better. And so, I created A Simple and Contented Life. A place all about making family life less stressful and more enjoyable. A place where you’ll find all the tools and support you need to reduce the overwhelm, slow things down and take back control.

What’s in store…

I know from my own journey to wellness that wherever you are in your life right now, whatever struggles you’re facing, there are steps you can take to turn things around and create a life you love. I’ve done it and you can too. By being part of the A Simple and Contented Life community, you’ll benefit from honest advice from a fellow mum who understands the joys AND stresses of motherhood. You’ll discover ways to:

Carve out more time with your family.
Create a home you love.
Give yourself the self-care you deserve, and
Live a family life you love.

The blog covers a whole range of topics related to family life, home life and wellbeing. I go deep on issues including parenting, relationships, family and friendships. I share ways to better organise and manage your home. I reveal ways to be more productive and tips on how to set and accomplish your goals. You’ll have access to FREE printables including worksheets, cheatsheets, checklists and planners. All of which are designed to help you reduce the overwhelm and make life that little bit easier.

Like what you see? Join my tribe!

I’d love for you to join the A Simple and Contented Life community. Sign up below so you never miss a post and receive all the extra resources I only share with my subscribers. You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook where I share top tips, challenges and inspirational quotes to help you stay motivated and on track.

What are you waiting for? Let’s share the journey to creating a simpler, more contented life. Together I know we can create a family life you love. One you won’t need to take a vacation from.

Want to know more about me? Here are a few fun facts:

I love good food, good wine and any excuse to try something new.
I love the countryside, being outdoors and going for long walks with a picnic and my boys.
Our dream is to self-build our own property.
I always have at least 3 books on the go and they’re usually non-fiction.
I’m a MASSIVE Harry Potter fan and have lost count of the number of times I’ve read the books!
London is my favourite go-to place for a day out.
I could never choose between being a tomboy or a girly girl.
Five things in my handbag: My purse, diary, iPod headphones, keys and a pack of mints.
Favourite guilty pleasure: Chilling in Starbucks with a large coffee and a good book.
The one food I can’t live without: I can’t choose just one! It’d have to be salt and black pepper Kettle Chips and a strong, creamy stilton – but preferably not together!
Favourite date night with my Hubby: Cooking dinner together in our kitchen, music on, wine poured.